FAQ

Yes. The programme is designed to accommodate complementary profiles. Candidates with experience in management, change management, or project management bring significant value.
The evaluation focuses primarily on the coherence of the professional project and the ability to grasp technological and organisational subjects.

Yes. Advance Master programmes welcome general engineers and graduates from various backgrounds, provided their professional project is consistent with the field of the Advance Master.

Yes, it is a significant asset. Digital and industrial transformation involves a strong human and organizational dimension. Experience in change management, team leadership, or project management will be valued in the application and during the interview.

It is not mandatory for Bac+5 degree holders, but highly valued. For Bac+4 degree holders, at least three years of professional experience is required.

Yes. While the program primarily attracts candidates with backgrounds in industrial, mechanical, computer science, or other technical fields, it is also open to those with a more generalist or managerial background.
The key is to demonstrate an awareness of transformation challenges, analytical skills, and a genuine motivation to contribute to complex industrial projects.

Yes. Advance Master programs are open to international candidates holding the equivalent of a 5-year or 4-year higher education degree, according to the admission criteria.

Advance Master programs are open to candidates with a Bac+5 degree (engineer, Master 2) or a Bac+4 degree with at least three years of professional experience.

The Advance Master (MS) programme is a post-Master’s level qualification accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles.
It is aimed at Master’s graduates or Bachelor’s graduates with experience, and offers highly specialized training, immediately valuable in the job market.

A good command of French is necessary to follow the courses. International candidates must demonstrate a minimum B2 level.

The training begins every year in October.

It is not mandatory.
However, specifying areas of interest demonstrates that you have considered your professional project.
The final topic is developed with the school and the company.

There is no systematic case study, but the interview often includes applied questions to assess your understanding of industrial challenges and your ability to analyze a transformative situation.

Both.
The MS-CPTDI programme is based on a dual skill set:

• understanding of future industry technologies,
• ability to lead organizational and human transformation.

Above all, the jury prioritizes balanced and motivated profiles, capable of working at the interface between technical aspects, organization, and management.

It includes the following steps:

1. Application Submission
2. Application Review
3. Interview
4. Provisional Admission
5. Company Search (if professional training contract)
6. Funding Validation
7. Final Admission

Clearly outline:

• the context,
• the project objectives,
• your specific role,
• the results obtained,
• the lessons you learned from it.

Even if the project was not directly related to Industry 4.0, it reflects your ability to drive transformations, a key criterion for the MS-CPTDI programme.

Yes. Enrollments are intentionally limited to ensure individualized support.

Yes. You may apply again by strengthening your application or professional project.

CV, transcripts, copies of diplomas, proof of experience, and administrative documents requested in the application.

This is a 45-minute interview designed to assess the consistency of your professional project, your motivation, and your suitability for the programme.

• Applications are open from November to the end of August.
• Term begins: October.

Ideally, as soon as applications open, because support for finding a company begins upon eligibility.

Yes, it is possible.
The MS-CPTDI program trains project managers capable of supporting complex transformations across all sectors.
Assignments in service industries (healthcare, finance, logistics, administration, etc.) are relevant if they involve:

• process transformation,
• digitalization,
• change management,
• operational optimization.

Yes, through continuing education or as part of a skill development project supported by your employer.

Yes. Most assignments include projects for process improvement, digitalization, automation, data, digital twins, robotization, or performance management.
Some assignments also involve organizational transformation, reviewing production models, or structuring change initiatives.

Yes. Eligible candidates receive support:

• assistance with revising CVs and cover letters,
• access to a network of partner companies,
• distribution of offers,
• coaching for company search,
• support until contract signing.

No.
You are first provisionally admitted, then assisted in finding your host company.

Yes. The Advance Master is based on a work-study program or a long-term corporate assignment.

Final admission is subject to the signing of an agreement or a contract with a company.

An alternating schedule with extended periods allowing for strong technical immersion, varying depending on the companies but generally 1 to 3 weeks school / 3 to 6 weeks company.

Work-study students primarily join:

• industrial companies (automotive, aerospace, energy, electronics, agri-food, etc.),
• groups committed to Industry 4.0 initiatives,
• consulting firms specializing in transformation or performance,
• digital service companies (ESN) involved in industrial digitalization.

The assignments are varied but always focused on transformation, innovation, and performance.

Long-term internship, professionalization contract, or employee contract, depending on profiles and situations.

Specific rules apply, particularly concerning access to the professionalization contract depending on status.

Yes. Personalized support is offered to identify suitable solutions.

Yes, for candidates meeting the legal criteria (age, status, length of stay in France for non-EU citizens).

Depending on your status:

• OPCO (work-study contract or skills development plan),
• company funding,
• Pôle Emploi assistance,
• regional aid (depending on the region),
• individual funding.

• Individual: around 10,000 €
• Company-sponsored: 12,000 € to 12,500 €

Yes.
Students are regularly required to work on:

• IT’m Factory, a teaching factory enabling the simulation of flows, interactions, digital tools, and production scenarios;
• DIWII, the regional Industry of the Future platform, offering immersive environments focused on digitalization, robotics, data, and industrial cybersecurity.

These environments offer a unique practical experience.

Yes. Several modules include workshops, hands-on exercises, or simulations using:

• modeling and simulation tools,
• industrial digital environments,
• data & AI tools,
• digital performance management methods.

The objective is to learn by doing, not solely through theory.

Yes. Each training course is regularly updated to keep pace with scientific, technical, and regulatory developments.

The capstone project is a collaborative effort conducted throughout the year.
It aims to apply the acquired knowledge to a real or simulated transformation case:

• analysis of an industrial system,
• organizational diagnosis,
• development of a transformation roadmap,
• implementation of 4.0 tools,
• presentation to a jury.

It is a structuring exercise, useful for the professional thesis as well as for corporate assignments.

Each programme is structured into modules or educational groups, combining instruction, practical application, and a professional project.

Yes. The programme is demanding and requires regular commitment in addition to work placements.

The curriculum is structured around:

• digital and industrial transformation,
• operational excellence,
• performance management,
• environmental transition,
• 4.0 technologies,
• management and change management.

It is a collaborative applied project that leverages acquired skills and prepares for project management.

A corporate assignment addresses an operational company need; a professional thesis formalizes a problem statement and an in-depth analysis, assessed by a jury.

A significant portion of the courses – approximately 30 to 40% – focuses on:

• cyber-physical systems,
• the digital thread,
• automation and robotics,
• advanced production technologies,
• data, AI, simulation, and digital twins.

This content is systematically linked to an application in industry or on technology platforms.

An active pedagogy: case studies, a guiding project, professional speakers, practical workshops, site visits.

The industrial sector is predominant, but the degree also opens opportunities in:

• the public sector (local authorities, hospitals, institutions…),
• services,
• logistics,
• consulting,
• the digital sector.
  Any sector undergoing a profound transformation can employ a graduate.

Yes. Many candidates use the program to transition into a new field of expertise.

Yes.
Transformation is not limited to technology: it involves people, organizations, and management methods.
The MS thus prepares for roles in:

• change management,
• cultural transformation,
• managerial transformation,
• organizational innovation.

Yes. The training develops technical, methodological and managerial skills that enable progression to leadership positions.

Yes.
After a few years of experience, graduates progress to positions such as:

• Performance Manager,
• Transformation Manager,
• Director of Strategic Projects,
• Industrialization Manager,
• Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The multidisciplinary nature of the program serves as an excellent stepping stone toward leadership roles.

Yes: it is a diploma accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), considered a high-level professional specialization.

Very high. Most graduates find employment within months of completing their training.

The most common positions are:

• Industrial Transformation Project Manager,
• Industry 4.0 / Digitalization Consultant,
• Continuous Improvement / Performance Manager,
• Digital and Environmental Transition Officer,
• Methods / Process Engineer
• Organizational Analyst / Process Owner.

The degree also leads to cross-functional positions in supply chain or industrial strategy.

Yes. Mines Saint-Étienne assists international students with their arrival and integration procedures.

Yes, especially within international industrial groups.
Some assignments involve:

• coordination with international teams,
• harmonization of global processes,
• audits or diagnostics across multiple sites,
• participation in transnational projects.

A good command of English is therefore a real asset.

Yes, provided they have previously completed one year of studies in France (Law of March 7, 2016).

It depends on the programme. Some MS courses include international projects, conferences or theses that can be conducted abroad.

No, but the program regularly hosts international speakers and case studies related to global contexts.

Yes.
Major groups in France (automotive, aerospace, defence, energy, transport, electronics…) are undergoing a significant digital transformation and are actively seeking profiles capable of leading cross-functional programmes.
The diploma is recognised and valued for its systemic vision.

Yes: expert conferences, professional workshops, themed days, workshops, site visits.

Yes, thanks to the alternating schedule and the flexibility provided for working professionals.

Yes. Graduates can join the Mines Saint-Étienne network and its thematic communities.

The support takes several forms:

• Individual academic mentoring,
• Methodological guidance for the professional thesis,
• Support for writing and critical analysis,
• Coaching sessions on transformation challenges,
• Scenario-based workshops.

Each learner benefits from personalized support to develop the profile of an engineer and project manager.

Libraries, workspaces, technology platforms, catering, student life, sports facilities.

Support includes:

• regular progress reviews,
• dedicated supervision by a supervisor,
• methodology reviews,
• advice on structuring the thesis,
• preparation for the thesis defense.

The goal is to help the learner produce a solid professional analysis that is directly valuable to their company.

Yes. The support includes:

• academic tutoring,
• assistance with company placement,
• company monitoring,
• supervision of the professional thesis,
• support with administrative procedures.